Farzi
{{Short description|2023 Indian Hindi-language television series}}
{{distinguish|Farsi}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox television
| image = Farzi.jpeg
| caption = Promotional poster
| genre = Black comedy
Crime thriller
| creator = Raj & DK
| director = Raj & DK
| writer = {{Plainlist|
- Sita Menon
- Suman Kumar
- Raj & DK
}}
| starring = {{Plainlist|
}}
| music = Ketan Sodha
Sachin–Jigar
Tanishk Bagchi
| country = India
| language = Hindi
| num_seasons = 1
| num_episodes = 8
| producer = Raj & DK
| cinematography = Pankaj Kumar
| editor = Sumeet Kotian
| runtime = 42–66 minutes
| network = Amazon Prime Video
| company = d2r Films
| first_aired = {{Start date|2023|02|10|}}
| last_aired = present
| related = The Family Man
}}
Farzi ({{Translation|counterfeit}}) is an Indian Hindi-language black comedy crime thriller television series created, produced and directed by Raj & DK, who also co-wrote the series with Sita Menon and Suman Kumar. It stars Shahid Kapoor, Vijay Sethupathi, Kay Kay Menon, Raashii Khanna and Bhuvan Arora, and tells the story of a disillusioned artist who decides to make counterfeit money.
Initially conceived as a film in 2014, Farzi was expanded into a television series by 2019. Principal photography began in Mumbai in July 2021. Filming also took place in Alibaug, Goa, Nepal, and Jordan. Sachin–Jigar and Tanishk Bagchi composed the songs, while Ketan Sodha provided the score. The series shares continuity with Raj & DK's spy series The Family Man.
The eight-episode series was released on Amazon Prime Video on 10 February 2023. Farzi received positive reviews, and emerged as the most-watched Indian streaming series. By the end of February 2023, Kapoor confirmed that the show would return for a second season. At the 2023 Filmfare OTT Awards, Farzi received 10 nominations.
Premise
Sunny is an artist disillusioned by the income inequality in India after failing to keep his grandfather's extensive printing press in business. He decides to team up with his best friend Firoz to make counterfeit money. They face challenges from Mansoor, a gangster, and Michael, a cop.{{cite news|last=Ramachandran|first=Naman|title=Shahid Kapoor, Raj & DK Talk Prime Video Counterfeiting Thriller 'Farzi'|url=https://variety.com/2023/global/asia/shahid-kapoor-farzi-amazon-prime-video-counterfeiting-1235512744/|work=Variety|date=4 February 2023|accessdate=5 February 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205012503/https://variety.com/2023/global/asia/shahid-kapoor-farzi-amazon-prime-video-counterfeiting-1235512744/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Malhotra|first=Rahul|title='Farzi' Trailer Reveals Shahid Kapoor's Darkly Comic Series|url=https://collider.com/farzi-series-trailer-shahid-kapoor/|work=Collider|date=13 January 2023|accessdate=5 February 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205085427/https://collider.com/farzi-series-trailer-shahid-kapoor/|url-status=live}} According to co-creator Raj Nidimoru, the title refers to counterfeiting, as well as the "fakeness" inherent in people.
Cast and characters
= Main =
{{Cast listing|
- Shahid Kapoor as Sunny, a disillusioned artist
- Vijay Sethupathi as Michael Vedanayagam IPS, a Special Task Force officer and head of the Counterfeiting & Currency Fraud Analysis & Research Team (CCFART)
- Kay Kay Menon as Mansoor Dalal, a criminal mastermind who heads the counterfeit network in India, based out of Jordan
- Raashii Khanna as Megha Vyas, an officer for the Reserve Bank of India, who later joins CCFART
- Bhuvan Arora as Firoz, Sunny's best friend and partner
- Chittaranjan Giri as Yasir, an employee at Kranti Patrika
- Zakir Hussain as Finance Minister Pawan Gahlot
- Jaswant Singh Dalal as Shekhar Ahlawat, a member of CCFART
- Amol Palekar as Madhav, Sunny's grandfather and owner of Kranti Patrika
- Kubbra Sait as Saira, Mansoor's superior
- Regina Cassandra as Rekha Rao, Michael's ex-wife
}}
= Recurring =
{{Cast listing|
- Kavya Thapar as Ananya, Sunny's ex-girlfriend
- Chittaranjan Tripathy as Michael's divorce lawyer
- Lokesh Mittal as Lakdawala
- Vijay Kumar as Jitu Kaka, Mansoor's uncle and manager
- Saqib Ayub as Anees, Sunny and Firoz's friend and a small-time goon
- Karan Maan as Commander Murtaza
- Nilesh Divekar as Bilal, Mansoor's henchman
- Priyadarshini Indalkar as the receptionist at MKG Publishing
- Akkshay Gunaawat as Suparn
- Saurav Chakraborti as Jamal, Mansoor's henchman
- Mrinmayee Godbole as Rekha's divorce lawyer
- Armaan Bhanushali as young Sunny
- Kabir Khan as young Firoz
- Vivek Madaan as Arjun Nayar
- Govind Pandey as MLA Kesaribhai Doshi
- Divyam Shukla as Vyom, Rekha and Michael's son
- Ashutosh Priyadarshi as Titu Khislu, a Bangladeshi smuggler
- Anna Ador as Svetalana
}}
= Cameos =
The following actors make cameos, reprising their roles from The Family Man:{{cite news|title=Farzi: How clever cameos bring Shahid Kapoor-Vijay Sethupathi show and Manoj Bajpayee's The Family Man in same universe|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-farzi-here-s-how-shahid-kapoor-vijay-sethupathi-show-and-manoj-bajpayee-s-the-family-man-are-in-same-universe-3022869|work=DNA India|date=10 February 2023|accessdate=10 February 2023|archive-date=10 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210162159/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-farzi-here-s-how-shahid-kapoor-vijay-sethupathi-show-and-manoj-bajpayee-s-the-family-man-are-in-same-universe-3022869|url-status=live}}
{{Cast listing|
- Uday Mahesh as Chellam
- Ajay Jadhav as Sub-Inspector Shinde
- Vijay Vikram Singh as Ajit
- Aritro Rudraneil Banerjee as Punit Banerjee
- Manoj Bajpayee as Srikant Tiwari (voice only)
}}
Episodes
{{Episode table |background=#000000 |overall= |title= |director= |directorR= |writer= |airdate= |airdateR= |episodes=
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 1
| Title = Artist
| DirectedBy = Raj & DK
| WrittenBy = Raj & DK, Sita Menon, and Suman Kumar
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|02|10|df=yes}}
| ShortSummary = Sunny is a poor artist, who assists his grandfather Madhav in running an idealistic printing press, alongside his best friend Firoz. Trouble arises when their business is at the risk of bankruptcy. Disillusioned, Sunny and Firoz decide to print counterfeit 500-rupee notes. Initially unsuccessful, their second attempt pays off. Meanwhile, a determined officer, Michael, captures his nemesis, counterfeiting kingpin Mansoor Dalal, in Nepal. However Mansoor escapes. Later, Mansoor kidnaps Sunny and Firoz.
| LineColor = 000000
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 2
| Title = Social Service
| DirectedBy = Raj & DK
| WrittenBy = Raj & DK, Sita Menon, and Suman Kumar
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|02|10|df=yes}}
| ShortSummary = In a flashback, a young Sunny is abandoned by his father. He meets another abandoned boy, Firoz at a train station and strikes up a friendship. Sunny's maternal grandfather Madhav adopts both him and Firoz. In the present day, Sunny and Firoz are able to pay off their grandfather's debts. Meanwhile, Megha, an idealistic officer for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), chances upon Sunny's fake note, but is not taken seriously by her superior. Michael blackmails Minister Pawan Gahlot to set up a task force investigating counterfeit money.
| LineColor = 000000
}}{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 3
| Title = CCFART
| DirectedBy = Raj & DK
| WrittenBy = Raj & DK, Sita Menon, and Suman Kumar
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|02|10|df=yes}}
| ShortSummary = Michael sets up the Counterfeiting and Currency Fraud Analysis and Research Team (CCFART), the task force he wanted through Gahlot's help. He shares a troubled relationship with his ex-wife, Rekha, and son. Megha, dissatisfied with her job at the RBI, joins Michael's team. She soon gets in trouble when she defies Michael to investigate the "artist" whose fake note she had found, and almost busts their operation. Meanwhile, Sunny and Firoz get hired to print fake money for a politician and end up delivering a {{INR|20}} crore shipment to Surat themselves.
| LineColor = 000000
}}{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 4
| Title = Dhanrakshak
| DirectedBy = Raj & DK
| WrittenBy = Raj & DK, Sita Menon, and Suman Kumar
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|02|10|df=yes}}
| ShortSummary = Rekha sends Michael divorce papers. Megha's fake note scanner, Dhanrakshak, is launched by Gahlot, who believes the media attention will help him win the election. Meanwhile, Madhav suffers from dementia. Mansoor is rattled by the arrests due to Dhanrakshak. Impressed by Sunny's artistry (Dhanrakshak cannot detect his notes), Mansoor kidnaps him and Firoz and makes Sunny an offer to work for his crime organization.
| LineColor = 000000
}}{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 5
| Title = Second Oldest Profession
| DirectedBy = Raj & DK
| WrittenBy = Raj & DK, Sita Menon, and Suman Kumar
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|02|10|df=yes}}
| ShortSummary = Sunny agrees to start working for Mansoor and produces a fake 2000-rupee note at his lab in Jordan. Mansoor arranges a neuro specialist and pays for Madhav's surgery. In Bangladesh, Mansoor's henchman Bilal is caught by Michael and the team. Michael threatens Bilal and turns him into an informant. Back in Mumbai, Sunny is asked by Mansoor to infiltrate CCFART. He stages a meeting with Megha and manages to hack into her phone.
| LineColor = 000000
}}{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 6
| Title = Cat and Mouse
| DirectedBy = Raj & DK
| WrittenBy = Raj & DK, Sita Menon, and Suman Kumar
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|02|10|df=yes}}
| ShortSummary = Sunny spies on CCFART's plans through Megha's phone. Michael gets information from Bilal, and another mole in Mansoor's organization. Following a cat-and-mouse game between the two organizations, Mansoor suggests a "Trojan Horse" plan to smuggle {{INR|12,000}} crores in counterfeit notes into India. With help from a Russian boat crew, Sunny manages to trick Michael, successfully smuggling the cash.
| LineColor = 000000
}}{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 7
| Title = Supernote
| DirectedBy = Raj & DK
| WrittenBy = Raj & DK, Sita Menon, and Suman Kumar
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|02|10|df=yes}}
| ShortSummary = Sunny and Firoz enjoy their wealth and move into plush flats. Sunny finds himself falling for Megha and removes the tracker from her phone. Megha discovers that the "artist" is leaving his signature ('S') in the fake notes. Mansoor is desperate to get the fake cash into the market and urges Sunny to act quickly. Michael devises a plan to lure the "artist".
| LineColor = 000000
}}{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 8
| Title = Crash and Burn
| DirectedBy = Raj & DK
| WrittenBy = Raj & DK, Sita Menon, and Suman Kumar
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|02|10|df=yes}}
| ShortSummary = Sunny and Firoz almost get caught, but Michael manages to see their faces. To escape from the cops during a chase, Sunny and Firoz scatter the fake cash into the streets. Displeased by this, Mansoor orders them to be killed, but Sunny uses the help of his friends to escape. Mansoor sets fire to Madhav's printing press, seemingly killing him. Angered, Sunny goes on a rampage -- he kills many of Mansoor's men and sets fire to the cash, promising Mansoor that he will be back for more. Meanwhile, Michael and Rekha get divorced. Megha is close to uncovering Sunny's identity.
| LineColor = 000000
}}
}}
Production
Farzi was first conceived as a film by Raj & DK with Shahid Kapoor and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in 2014.{{cite news|title=Shahid Kapoor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui to star in Farzi|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/shahid-kapoor-nawazuddin-siddiqui-to-star-in-farzi-207187-2014-09-04|work=India Today|date=4 September 2014|accessdate=5 February 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205084036/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/shahid-kapoor-nawazuddin-siddiqui-to-star-in-farzi-207187-2014-09-04|url-status=live}} Kriti Sanon joined the cast by the end of the year.{{cite news|title=Shahid Kapoor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Kriti Sanon's 'Farzi' to go on floors by January–February start|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/shahid-kapoor-nawazuddin-siddiqui-kriti-sanons-farzi-to-go-on-floors-by-january-february-start/|work=The Indian Express|date=30 December 2014|accessdate=5 February 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205084252/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/shahid-kapoor-nawazuddin-siddiqui-kriti-sanons-farzi-to-go-on-floors-by-january-february-start/|url-status=live}} By 2019, it was expanded into a television series with Kapoor still attached.{{cite news|last=Hingorani|first=Piya|title=Shahid Kapoor gets candid on completing 20 years in Bollywood, digital debut Farzi, Ishq Vishk, Jab We Met, Kaminey and more|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/shahid-kapoor-gets-candid-on-completing-20-years-in-bollywood-digital-debut-farzi-ishq-vishk-jab-we-met-kaminey-and-more-exclusive/articleshow/97553224.cms?from=mdr|work=The Times of India|date=2 February 2023|accessdate=5 February 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205072542/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/shahid-kapoor-gets-candid-on-completing-20-years-in-bollywood-digital-debut-farzi-ishq-vishk-jab-we-met-kaminey-and-more-exclusive/articleshow/97553224.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}} In January 2021, Kapoor confirmed that Raashii Khanna had joined the project.{{cite web|title=Shahid Kapoor welcomes Raashi Khanna on board Raj and DK's web series|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/shahid-kapoor-welcomes-raashi-khanna-board-raj-dks-web-series/|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=25 January 2021|accessdate=5 February 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205080746/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/shahid-kapoor-welcomes-raashi-khanna-board-raj-dks-web-series/|url-status=live}} In September 2021, Bhuvan Arora said that he was working on the series.{{cite news|last=Rizvi|first=S Farah|title=With good work coming my way, I am on the right path: Bhuvan Arora|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/with-good-work-coming-my-way-i-am-on-the-right-path-bhuvan-arora-101631888125363.html|work=Hindustan Times|date=17 September 2021|accessdate=5 February 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205105702/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/with-good-work-coming-my-way-i-am-on-the-right-path-bhuvan-arora-101631888125363.html|url-status=live}} Raj & DK offered a part to Vijay Sethupathi when they were in Chennai filming The Family Man; he joined the production 40 days after they began filming.{{cite web|title=Farzi: Vijay Sethupathi On Struggle With Language - Learnt Hindi In Dubai But It's Been Years|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/my-character-in-farzi-is-like-a-fruit-salad-a-mix-of-everything-says-vijay-sethupathi-3716408|website=NDTV|date=23 January 2023|accessdate=5 February 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205032936/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/my-character-in-farzi-is-like-a-fruit-salad-a-mix-of-everything-says-vijay-sethupathi-3716408|url-status=live}} He credited his co-star Raashii Khanna, with whom he had worked before in Tamil films, for making him comfortable on set.
Principal photography began at Film City, Mumbai in July 2021.{{cite news|title=Shahid Kapoor begins shooting his web show in Mumbai with Raj and DK for a 40 day schedule?|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/shahid-kapoor-begins-shooting-his-web-show-mumbai-raj-and-dk-40-day-schedule-810200|work=Pinkvilla|date=13 July 2021|accessdate=5 February 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205074423/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/shahid-kapoor-begins-shooting-his-web-show-mumbai-raj-and-dk-40-day-schedule-810200|url-status=live}} Filming also took place in parts of Mumbai, Goa, Alibaug, Nepal, and Jordan.{{cite web|title=Raj and DK explore various locations for Shahid Kapoor's OTT debut Farzi|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/raj-dk-explore-various-locations-shahid-kapoors-ott-debut-farzi/|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=7 February 2023|accessdate=8 February 2023|archive-date=7 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207173543/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/raj-dk-explore-various-locations-shahid-kapoors-ott-debut-farzi/|url-status=live}} Pankaj Kumar served as the cinematographer.{{cite news|title=I feel Farzi is the best digital debut, says Shahid Kapoor|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/i-feel-farzi-is-the-best-digital-debut-says-shahid-kapoor-8431948/|work=The Indian Express|date=8 February 2023|accessdate=8 February 2023|archive-date=8 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208104146/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/i-feel-farzi-is-the-best-digital-debut-says-shahid-kapoor-8431948/|url-status=live}}
The series was officially announced by Amazon on 28 April 2022, during the launch exhibit of 40 Indian projects sanctioned by the company.{{cite news|last=Whittock|first=Jesse|title=Amazon Prime Video India Plots 40-Strong TV And Film Originals Mega-Slate; Unveils TVoD Movie Rental Service|url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/amazon-prime-video-india-40-strong-tv-film-originals-mega-slate-tvod-movie-rental-service-1235011872/|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=28 April 2022|accessdate=5 February 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205070603/https://deadline.com/2022/04/amazon-prime-video-india-40-strong-tv-film-originals-mega-slate-tvod-movie-rental-service-1235011872/|url-status=live}} Kapoor, Sethupathi, Khanna, Kay Kay Menon, Regina Cassandra, Zakir Hussain, Bhuvan Arora, Amol Palekar, and Kubbra Sait were all announced to star.
Writer Sita Menon stated that a scene indicating a crossover with Raj & DK's show The Family Man was not pre-planned and that the idea came to Raj on the day of the shoot.{{cite web|last=Sen|first=Srijita|title=Farzi Writers Reveal 'The Family Man' Crossover Was Not Intentional, Happened on the Day of Shoot|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/farzi-writers-reveal-the-family-man-crossover-was-not-intentional-happened-on-the-day-of-shoot-exclusive-7220113.html|website=News18|date=11 March 2023|accessdate=25 March 2023|archive-date=25 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325181447/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/farzi-writers-reveal-the-family-man-crossover-was-not-intentional-happened-on-the-day-of-shoot-exclusive-7220113.html|url-status=live}} DK later confirmed the crossover, stating the worlds in the two series "run parallel to each other".{{cite news|last=Ghosh|first=Ananya|title=The Interview: Q & A with Raj and DK|url=https://www.mansworldindia.com/currentedition/from-the-magazine/the-interview-q-a-with-raj-and-dk/|magazine=Mans World India|date=16 March 2023|accessdate=26 March 2023|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326065352/https://www.mansworldindia.com/currentedition/from-the-magazine/the-interview-q-a-with-raj-and-dk/|url-status=live}}
Soundtrack
{{Infobox album
| name = Farzi
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = Sachin–Jigar, Tanishk Bagchi
| cover = blank
| alt =
| released = 28 January 2023
| recorded =
| venue =
| studio =
| genre =
| length = 8:00
| language = Hindi
| label = Sony Music India
| producer =
| misc = {{external music video|type=soundtrack| header = Official audio
| {{YouTube|19h_U6RhVJw|Farzi Jukebox}}
}}
}}
The duo Sachin–Jigar, who are frequent collaborators of Raj & DK, composed music for the series.{{cite news|last=Ramasubramanian|first=Uma|title=Sachin-Jigar tell a story with every song in Raj and DK's 'Farzi'|url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/sachin-jigar-tell-a-story-with-every-song-in-raj-and-dk-s-farzi-23268728r|work=Mid Day|date=4 February 2023|accessdate=5 February 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205073515/https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/sachin-jigar-tell-a-story-with-every-song-in-raj-and-dk-s-farzi-23268728r|url-status=live}} They composed two songs, "Paisa Hai Toh" and "Sab Farzi".{{cite news|last=Kushal|first=Ruchi|title=Sachin-Jigar open up on making Sab Farzi, Shahid Kapoor's reaction to it: 'We don't believe in remakes'|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/music/sachinjigar-on-sab-farzi-shahid-kapoor-s-reaction-to-it-and-remakes-101675072893397.html|work=Hindustan Times|date=31 January 2023|accessdate=5 February 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205000654/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/music/sachinjigar-on-sab-farzi-shahid-kapoor-s-reaction-to-it-and-remakes-101675072893397.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Sachin-Jigar: Raj & DK Give Us Complete Creative Control Over The Music And Also Give Us Their Honest Feedback|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/sachin-jigar-raj-dk-give-us-complete-creative-control-over-the-music-and-also-give-us-their-honest-feedback-news-259438|work=Outlook|date=4 February 2023|accessdate=5 February 2023|archive-date=4 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204140420/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/sachin-jigar-raj-dk-give-us-complete-creative-control-over-the-music-and-also-give-us-their-honest-feedback-news-259438|url-status=live}} Tanishk Bagchi composed the third song, "Aasmaan".{{cite news|title=Tanishk Bagchi, Sachin-Jihar Come Together For 'Farzi'|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/tanishk-bagchi-sachin-jihar-come-together-for-farzi--news-257157|work=Outlook|date=27 January 2023|accessdate=5 February 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127104552/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/tanishk-bagchi-sachin-jihar-come-together-for-farzi--news-257157|url-status=live}} A soundtrack album comprising these three songs was released by Sony Music India on 28 January 2023.{{cite web|title=Farzi (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/farzi-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-single/1666343427|website=Apple iTunes|date=28 January 2023|accessdate=5 February 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205092540/https://music.apple.com/us/album/farzi-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-single/1666343427|url-status=live}}
{{Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = Paisa Hai Toh
| music1 = Sachin–Jigar
| extra1 = Vishal Dadlani, MellowD, Sachin–Jigar
| lyrics1 = Jigar Saraiya
| length1 = 3:08
| title2 = Sab Farzi
| music2 = Sachin–Jigar
| extra2 = Saba Azad, Sachin–Jigar
| lyrics2 = Priya Saraiya
| length2 = 2:30
| title3 = Aasmaan
| music3 = Tanishk Bagchi
| extra3 = Raghav Meattle, Anumita Nadesan
| lyrics3 = Raghav Meattle
| length3 = 2:52
}}
Release
Two first-look posters of Farzi featuring Shahid Kapoor and Vijay Sethupathi were released on 5 January 2023.{{cite news|title=Shahid Kapoor, Vijay Sethupathi unveil first-look posters of their debut OTT show Farzi with release date|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-shahid-kapoor-vijay-sethupathi-unveil-first-look-posters-of-their-debut-ott-show-farzi-with-release-date-3015188|work=DNA India|date=5 January 2023|accessdate=26 March 2023|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326095858/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-shahid-kapoor-vijay-sethupathi-unveil-first-look-posters-of-their-debut-ott-show-farzi-with-release-date-3015188|url-status=live}} A week later, on 13 January, the official trailer was released.{{cite news|title=Farzi trailer: Will Vijay Sethupathi's trigger-happy cop put an end to Shahid Kapoor's get-rich-quick scheme?|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/farzi-trailer-shahid-kapoor-vijay-sethupathi-raj-and-dk-prime-video-watch-8379335/|work=The Indian Express|date=13 January 2023|accessdate=5 February 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205070605/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/farzi-trailer-shahid-kapoor-vijay-sethupathi-raj-and-dk-prime-video-watch-8379335/|url-status=live}} To promote the show, Prime Video collaborated with Swiggy to send out fake ₹2,000 notes to customers who ordered from the service.{{cite news|title=Unique marketing. Swiggy sends out fake ₹2,000 notes for OTT show 'Farzi' promotion|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/variety/swiggy-sends-out-fake-2000-notes-to-promote-ott-show-farzi/article66532229.ece|work=The Hindu Business Line|date=20 February 2023|accessdate=26 March 2023|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326095548/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/variety/swiggy-sends-out-fake-2000-notes-to-promote-ott-show-farzi/article66532229.ece|url-status=live}} The series was released on Amazon Prime Video on 10 February 2023.{{cite news|last=Jha|first=Lata|title=Amazon Prime Video to stream Shahid Kapoor's 'Farzi' on 10 February|url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/amazon-prime-video-to-stream-shahid-kapoor-s-farzi-on-10-february-11673414595903.html|work=The Hindu|date=11 January 2023|accessdate=5 February 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205070607/https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/amazon-prime-video-to-stream-shahid-kapoor-s-farzi-on-10-february-11673414595903.html|url-status=live}} Later that month, Kapoor confirmed that the series would return for a second season.{{Cite news |date=20 March 2023 |title=Shahid Kapoor confirms Farzi Season 2 and says, "I am sure it will happen, but..." |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/shahid-kapoor-confirms-farzi-season-2-and-says-i-am-sure-it-will-happen-but-/articleshow/98306020.cms?from=mdr |access-date=25 March 2023 |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325171115/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/shahid-kapoor-confirms-farzi-season-2-and-says-i-am-sure-it-will-happen-but-/articleshow/98306020.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}
In March 2023, a YouTuber named Joravar Singh Kalsi, and his friend Gurpeet Singh, were arrested in Gurgaon for enacting a scene from the series, in which they threw fake currency notes from a speeding car.{{cite news|title=Farzi' stunt on Golf Course Road proves costly for YouTuber|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/youtuber-joravar-singh-kalsi-arrested-reel-scene-shahid-kapoor-farzi-8497115/|work=The Indian Express|date=15 March 2023|accessdate=26 March 2023|archive-date=21 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321165953/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/youtuber-joravar-singh-kalsi-arrested-reel-scene-shahid-kapoor-farzi-8497115/|url-status=live}}
Reception
=Critical response=
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Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV wrote that "thanks to a gripping storyline, the uniformly-paced series sustains its momentum within the individual chapters and across all its eight parts", and praised the performances of Shahid Kapoor, Vijay Sethupathi and Kay Kay Menon.{{cite web|last=Chatterjee|first=Saibal|title=Farzi Review: Vijay Sethupathi Sets The Bar High, Shahid Kapoor's Performance Is Remarkable In Its Restraint|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/farzi-review-vijay-sethupathi-sets-the-bar-high-shahid-kapoors-performance-is-remarkable-in-its-restraint-3-5-stars-3769665|website=NDTV|date=10 February 2023|accessdate=10 February 2023|archive-date=10 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210043807/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/farzi-review-vijay-sethupathi-sets-the-bar-high-shahid-kapoors-performance-is-remarkable-in-its-restraint-3-5-stars-3769665|url-status=live}} Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express concluded that the "inimitable Vijay Sethupathi livens up show that is in service to its star Shahid Kapoor, not its plot".{{cite news |last=Gupta |first=Shubhra |date=10 February 2023 |title=Farzi review: Inimitable Vijay Sethupathi livens up show that is in service to its star Shahid Kapoor, not its plot |work=The Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/farzi-review-vijay-sethupathi-livens-up-show-service-to-star-shahid-kapoor-8435729/ |accessdate=10 February 2023 |archive-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210060155/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/farzi-review-vijay-sethupathi-livens-up-show-service-to-star-shahid-kapoor-8435729/ |url-status=live }} Anuj Kumar of The Hindu also compared it unfavourably to The Family Man, writing that the "socio-political commentary that was seamless in The Family Man gets repetitive and even jarring at times here". He also expressed displeasure with how "the writers have spent hours in explaining the business of counterfeit currency, but have left the nuts and bolts of the story loose", but found Kapoor and Sethupathi's performances to be "splendid".{{cite news |last=Kumar |first=Anuj |date=10 February 2023 |title='Farzi' season one review: Shahid Kapoor, Vijay Sethupathi are splendid, but sell us a sham beneath the shine |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/farzi-season-one-review-shahid-kapoor-vijay-sethupathi-are-splendid-but-sell-us-a-sham-beneath-the-shine/article66492953.ece |accessdate=10 February 2023 |archive-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210080034/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/farzi-season-one-review-shahid-kapoor-vijay-sethupathi-are-splendid-but-sell-us-a-sham-beneath-the-shine/article66492953.ece |url-status=live }}
Deepa Gahlot of Rediff.com was appreciative of the performances of Sethupathi and Menon; she found certain episodes to be "adrenaline-pumping" but found others "yawn-inducing".{{cite web|last=Gahlot|first=Deepa|title=Farzi Review: Shahid Is Too Showy!|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/farzi-review/20230210.htm|website=Rediff.com|date=10 February 2023|accessdate=10 February 2023|archive-date=10 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210050855/https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/farzi-review/20230210.htm|url-status=live}} ThePrint{{'s}} Nidhima Taneja termed it a "gripping crime thriller" and found Bhuvan Arora's to the "breakout performance" of the series.{{cite web|last=Taneja|first=Nidhima|title=Shahid Kapoor's Farzi leaves no scope for boredom. It will keep you hooked|url=https://theprint.in/features/reel-take/shahid-kapoors-farzi-leaves-no-scope-for-boredom-it-will-keep-you-hooked/1364988/|website=ThePrint|date=10 February 2023|accessdate=10 February 2023|archive-date=10 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210080634/https://theprint.in/features/reel-take/shahid-kapoors-farzi-leaves-no-scope-for-boredom-it-will-keep-you-hooked/1364988/|url-status=live}} Shweta Keshri of India Today wrote that "Farzi is an intriguing watch, but with too much detailing, it tends to get exhausting in parts". She added that "Kapoor has knocked it out of the park this time", termed Sethupati "remarkable", and Menon "top class".{{cite news|last=Keshri|first=Shweta|title=Farzi Review: Shahid Kapoor, Vijay Sethupathi's series is an intriguing crime drama with solid performances|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/reviews/story/farzi-review-shahid-kapoor-vijay-sethupathi-raj-and-dk-intriguing-watch-solid-performances-2332813-2023-02-10|work=India Today|date=10 February 2023|accessdate=10 February 2023|archive-date=10 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210022159/https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/reviews/story/farzi-review-shahid-kapoor-vijay-sethupathi-raj-and-dk-intriguing-watch-solid-performances-2332813-2023-02-10|url-status=live}} Scroll.in{{'s}} Nandini Ramnath opined that "the show’s strengths include a well-chosen cast, strong individual moments, and dialogue destined to endure as memes". She was particularly impressed by Pankaj Kumar's cinematography, which she said "includes several continuous takes to create momentum and one bravura – and hilarious – chase sequence set in a crippling Mumbai traffic jam".{{cite web|last=Ramnath|first=Nandini|title='Farzi' review: A slick show about one of the oldest con games in town|url=https://scroll.in/reel/1043427/farzi-review-a-slick-show-about-one-of-the-oldest-con-games-in-town|website=Scroll.in|date=10 February 2023|accessdate=10 February 2023|archive-date=10 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210044248/https://scroll.in/reel/1043427/farzi-review-a-slick-show-about-one-of-the-oldest-con-games-in-town|url-status=live}}
Pratikshya Mishra of The Quint termed it a "sly, gripping thriller" and added that "the camerawork and editing work hand-in-hand to create a nearly mesmerising experience, mimicking the hypnotic nature of greed, fame, and power".{{cite web|last=Mishra|first=Pratikshya|title='Farzi' Review: Shahid Kapoor, Vijay Sethupathi Spar in a Sly, Gripping Thriller|url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/farzi-full-show-review-raj-and-dk-family-man-shahid-kapoor-vijay-sethupathi-debut-raashii-khanna-kay-kay-menon#read-more|website=The Quint|date=10 February 2023|accessdate=10 February 2023|archive-date=10 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210065044/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/farzi-full-show-review-raj-and-dk-family-man-shahid-kapoor-vijay-sethupathi-debut-raashii-khanna-kay-kay-menon#read-more|url-status=live}} Sowmya Rajendran found similarities between Farzi and The Family Man; she labelled it a "mostly engrossing crime drama" and found Kapoor "likeable as the anti-hero".{{cite news |last=Rajendran |first=Sowmya |date=10 February 2023 |title=Farzi review: A mostly engrossing crime drama from 'The Family Man' makers |work=Money Control |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/entertainment/farzi-review-a-mostly-engrossing-crime-drama-from-the-family-man-makers-10049061.html |url-status=live |accessdate=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213181809/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/entertainment/farzi-review-a-mostly-engrossing-crime-drama-from-the-family-man-makers-10049061.html |archive-date=13 February 2023}} Dishya Sharma of News18 found Farzi to be "binge-worthy" but not "as great as The Family Man"; she picked up the performances, cinematography and music as the series' highlights.{{cite web|last=Sharma|first=Dishya|title=Farzi Review: Shahid Kapoor And Vijay Sethupathi's Fake 'Money Heist' Is Worth Bingeing|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/farzi-review-shahid-kapoor-and-vijay-sethupathis-fake-money-heist-is-worth-bingeing-7042339.html|website=News18|date=10 February 2023|accessdate=10 February 2023|archive-date=10 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210021408/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/farzi-review-shahid-kapoor-and-vijay-sethupathis-fake-money-heist-is-worth-bingeing-7042339.html|url-status=live}} Ronak Kotecha of The Times of India opined that Farzi "is a refreshing and intensely gripping scamster saga whose pros far outweigh its cons".{{cite news |last=Kotecha |first=Ronak |date=10 February 2023 |title=Farzi Season 1 Review |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/reviews/hindi/farzi/farzi-season-1/seasonreview/97642255.cms |accessdate=10 February 2023 |archive-date=9 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209233432/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/reviews/hindi/farzi/farzi-season-1/seasonreview/97642255.cms |url-status=live }}
=Audience viewership=
According to the consulting firm Ormax Media, Farzi emerged as the most-watched Indian streaming series of all time, with a projected 37 million viewers, overtaking the record previously set by Rudra: The Edge of Darkness (2022).{{cite news |date=24 March 2023 |title=Shahid Kapoor, Vijay Sethupathi's Farzi becomes most-watched Indian OTT series of all time, overtakes Mirzapur and Rudra |work=The Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/shahid-kapoor-vijay-sethupathis-farzi-becomes-most-watched-indian-series-sets-new-records-8517304/ |accessdate=25 March 2023 |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324230920/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/shahid-kapoor-vijay-sethupathis-farzi-becomes-most-watched-indian-series-sets-new-records-8517304/ |url-status=live }}
=Accolades=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Award ceremony ! scope="col" | Category ! scope="col" | Nominee / Work ! scope="col" | Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
| rowspan="10" | 2023
| rowspan="10" |Filmfare OTT Awards | Best Drama Series | Farzi | {{nom}} | rowspan="11" style="text-align: center;" |{{Cite news |title=Nominations for the Filmfare OTT Awards 2023: Full List Out {{!}} Femina.in |url=https://www.femina.in/trending/in-the-news/nominations-for-the-filmfare-ott-awards-2023-full-list-out-279050.html |date=23 November 2023|access-date=8 December 2023 |work=Femina}} |
| Best Director in a Drama Series
| Raj & DK | {{nom}} |
| Best Actor in a Drama Series
| Shahid Kapoor | {{nom}} |
| Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
| Bhuvan Arora | {{nom}} |
| Best Original Story (Series)
| Raj & DK | {{nom}} |
| Best Original Screenplay (Series)
|Raj & DK, Sita Menon, Suman Kumar | {{nom}} |
| Best Production Design (Series)
|Parichit Paralkar | {{nom}} |
| Best Editing (Series)
|Sumeet Kotian | {{nom}} |
| Best Background Music (Series)
|Ketan Sodha | {{nom}} |
| Best Original Soundtrack (Series)
|Sachin-Jigar, Tanishk Bagchi, Raghav Meattle | {{nom}} |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb title}}
- [https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0HQNZ0NEOP9BEGU35D6GHNDXUG/ Farzi] on Amazon Prime Video
- [https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/farzi-2/ Farzi] at Bollywood Hungama
{{Raj and DK|state=collapsed}}
{{Amazon Video original series}}
{{Portal bar|India|Television}}
{{authority control}}
Category:Amazon Prime Video original programming
Category:Indian crime television series
Category:2023 Indian television series debuts
Category:Indian crime drama television series